No brakes or brake pressure?

1998 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY
133,000 MILES • 3.8L • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
SANDSTORM1958
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
Title says it all. Roomie's car, a disability conversion van, not professionally done. Took a while to figure out where they moved the ABS Control Module and Pump but managed to locate it. We tested for line leaks everywhere and I saw not one drop from all the peddle pumping. So, I went up top and checked the master cylinder for leaks, didn't see any other than the reservoir seam had a leak if slightly over-filled.

I'm assuming that since we have no brake pressure, the ABS Light hasn't indicated a problem, and no line leaks thus far I'm looking at a failed master cylinder. That sound right? I say this because over the last few months it's been gradual then all of a sudden, the other day she couldn't stop and slammed the car into the gate leading to the house, only damage I found was a torn apart steering rack boot on the passenger side which is a simple fix. Just wanted the thoughts of pro mechanics who deal with brake issues all the time. I'm not a pro mechanic but in the upper level of DIY home mechanics so I hold my own. I have several books of those 3rd Generation Chrysler Mini Vans, so I know how to remove the master cylinder. Isn't there a seal at the back of it that must be changed when replacing the one in the vehicle?
Apr 2, 2023 at 3:31 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

If there are no leaks, the master cylinder is the first suspect. Take a look through this link and see if it helps you:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/brake-pedal-goes-to-the-floor

As far as replacing it, make sure to bench-bleed the new one before connecting it to the system.

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
Apr 2, 2023 at 10:05 PM